Merging a faltering urban system with a wealthier, more successful suburban system is something metro Birmingham needs to consider but won't, Archibald writes. The Memphis decision displays nerve and a willingness to take a risk, to look at the big picture, which won't happen in Birmingham where petty political power is too important, he concludes.

Many in our online community quickly agreed. But, as usual, the issue veered beyond political will into a debate on race. Read some of what our commenters are saying:

• "The dissolution of the Birmingham school district would be the best thing to happen to city schools in years. It seems like to me that too many people would rather preserve their paychecks than think about the future of education for the youth of Birmingham. It also seems like common sense isn't at high demand with many of the people in the main offices of the Birmingham BOE on Park Place..." -- kayman

• "You are right on the mark about this. There needs to be some bold, selfless, daring leadership to deal with the Birmingham City Schools and dissolving the system is worth considering." -- Agent P

• "I'm with Archibald on this one..... This region is gonna have to show some serious guts to survive.... much less thrive! " -- thedefiant

• "mackmj: Anytime someone say it's not a race issue....it's a race issue. Jobs are not like air where there's plenty of them. In the South everything is about race. I don't know what it is..but there's something wrong with the people born and raised in the Southern states. Now, regarding education..A good education requires 3 things...good parents, good teachers, and kids that want to learn. A kid can overcome bad parents and bad teachers. There are a lot of successful people in this country that did not have good parents or good teachers. The most critical component is the kid. A kid has got to want to learn. If he doesn't want to learn, there's nothing the parents or teachers can do about it." -- alahater